We were commissioned to create a contemporary single-storey dwelling with four bedrooms, three main living spaces, gym and enough car spaces for up to 8 vehicles/workshop. Due to the slope of the land the 8 vehicle garage/workshop was placed in a basement level which also contained a bathroom and internal lift shaft for transporting groceries and luggage. The owners had a lovely northerly aspect to the front of home and their preference was to have warm bedrooms in winter and cooler living spaces in summer. So the bedrooms were placed at the front of the house being true north and the livings areas in the southern space. All living spaces have east and west glazing to achieve some sun in winter. Being on a 3 acre parcel of land and being surrounded by acreage properties, the rear of the home had magical vista views especially to the east and across the pastured fields and it was imperative to take in these wonderful views and outlook. We were very fortunate the owners provided complete freedom in the design, including the exterior finish. We had previously worked with the owners on their first home in Dural which gave them complete trust in our design ability to take this home. They also hired the services of a interior designer to complete the internal spaces selection of lighting and furniture. The owners were truly a pleasure to design for, they knew exactly what they wanted and made my design process very smooth. Hornsby Council approved the application within 8 weeks with no neighbor objections. The project manager was as passionate about the outcome as I was and made the building process uncomplicated and headache free.

This complex build is underpinned by the use of detailed off-form concrete forms, exotic internal and external finishes, copper cladding and roofing, painted steel windows, bespoke joinery, traditional venetian render and highly detailed steel elements. The detailing and craftsmanship is second-to-none, with the home displaying sympathy for its surroundings; evolving from its inception to creation.

Kimberley Bryan
Design ideas for a midcentury formal open concept living room in Los Angeles with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv.

Photo by Roehner + Ryan
Modern living room in Phoenix with concrete floors, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

The living room has walnut built-in cabinets housing home theater equipment over a border of black river rock which turns into a black granite plinth under the fireplace which is rimmed with luminescent tile. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography

Living room connection to outdoor patio
Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian formal open concept living room in Seattle with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, grey floor and vaulted.

Inspiration for a midcentury open concept living room in San Francisco with concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and grey floor.

Interior - Living Room and Dining Beach House at Avoca Beach by Architecture Saville Isaacs Project Summary Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The interpretation of experiencing life at the beach in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off a circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. The interiors reinforce architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun.   Project Description Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ The core idea of people living and engaging with place is an underlying principle of our practice, given expression in the manner in which this home engages with the exterior, not in a general expansive nod to view, but in a varied and intimate manner. The house is designed to maximise the spectacular Avoca beachfront location with a variety of indoor and outdoor rooms in which to experience different aspects of beachside living. Client brief: home to accommodate a small family yet expandable to accommodate multiple guest configurations, varying levels of privacy, scale and interaction. A home which responds to its environment both functionally and aesthetically, with a preference for raw, natural and robust materials. Maximise connection – visual and physical – to beach. The response was a series of operable spaces relating in succession, maintaining focus/connection, to the beach. The public spaces have been designed as series of indoor/outdoor pavilions. Courtyards treated as outdoor rooms, creating ambiguity and blurring the distinction between inside and out. A progression of pavilions and courtyards are strung off circulation spine/breezeway, from street to beach: entry/car court; grassed west courtyard (existing tree); games pavilion; sand+fire courtyard (=sheltered heart); living pavilion; operable verandah; beach. Verandah is final transition space to beach: enclosable in winter; completely open in summer. This project seeks to demonstrates that focusing on the interrelationship with the surrounding environment, the volumetric quality and light enhanced sculpted open spaces, as well as the tactile quality of the materials, there is no need to showcase expensive finishes and create aesthetic gymnastics. The design avoids fashion and instead works with the timeless elements of materiality, space, volume and light, seeking to achieve a sense of calm, peace and tranquillity. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Focus is on the tactile quality of the materials: a consistent palette of concrete, raw recycled grey ironbark, steel and natural stone. Materials selections are raw, robust, low maintenance and recyclable. Light, natural and artificial, is used to sculpt the space and accentuate textural qualities of materials. Passive climatic design strategies (orientation, winter solar penetration, screening/shading, thermal mass and cross ventilation) result in stable indoor temperatures, requiring minimal use of heating and cooling. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ Accommodation is naturally ventilated by eastern sea breezes, but sheltered from harsh afternoon winds. Both bore and rainwater are harvested for reuse. Low VOC and non-toxic materials and finishes, hydronic floor heating and ventilation ensure a healthy indoor environment. Project was the outcome of extensive collaboration with client, specialist consultants (including coastal erosion) and the builder. The interpretation of experiencing life by the sea in all its forms has been manifested in tangible spaces and places through the design of the pavilions, courtyards and outdoor rooms. The interior design has been an extension of the architectural intent, reinforcing architectural design principles and place-making, allowing every space to be utilised to its optimum capacity. There is no differentiation between architecture and interiors: Interior becomes exterior, joinery becomes space modulator, materials become textural art brought to life by the sun. Architecture Saville Isaacs https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/ https://www.architecturesavilleisaacs.com.au/

Marie Caroline Lucat
This is an example of a contemporary formal living room in Montpellier with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace and grey floor.

Living room Built Photo
Inspiration for a large midcentury living room in Portland with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Design ideas for a country open concept living room in San Francisco with concrete floors, a standard fireplace and grey floor.

Our homeowners approached us for design help shortly after purchasing a fixer upper. They wanted to redesign the home into an open concept plan. Their goal was something that would serve multiple functions: allow them to entertain small groups while accommodating their two small children not only now but into the future as they grow up and have social lives of their own. They wanted the kitchen opened up to the living room to create a Great Room. The living room was also in need of an update including the bulky, existing brick fireplace. They were interested in an aesthetic that would have a mid-century flair with a modern layout. We added built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace mimicking the wood and stain color true to the era. The adjacent Family Room, needed minor updates to carry the mid-century flavor throughout.

Gorgeous Modern Waterfront home with concrete floors, walls of glass, open layout, glass stairs,
Large contemporary formal open concept living room in DC Metro with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.

Design ideas for a large contemporary formal open concept living room in Adelaide with grey walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

This is the model unit for modern live-work lofts. The loft features 23 foot high ceilings, a spiral staircase, and an open bedroom mezzanine.
Photo of a mid-sized industrial formal enclosed living room in Portland with grey walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, grey floor, no tv and a metal fireplace surround.

Expansive country open concept living room in San Francisco with beige walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, grey floor and exposed beam.

Dans cette petite maison de la banlieue sud de Paris, construite dans les année 60 mais reflétant un style Le Corbusier bien marqué, nos clients ont souhaité faire une rénovation de la décoration en allant un peu plus loin dans le style. Nous avons créé pour eux cette fresque moderne en gardant les lignes proposées par la bibliothèque en bois existante. Nous avons poursuivit l'oeuvre dans la cage d'escalier afin de créer un unité dans ces espaces ouverts et afin de donner faire renaitre l'ambiance "fifties" d'origine. L'oeuvre a été créé sur maquette numérique, puis une fois les couleurs définies, les tracés puis la peinture ont été réalisé par nos soins après que les murs ait été restaurés par un peintre en bâtiment.

The natural elements of the home soften the hard lines, allowing it to submerge into its surroundings. The living, dining, and kitchen opt for views rather than walls. The living room is encircled by three, 16’ lift and slide doors, creating a room that feels comfortable sitting amongst the trees. Because of this the love and appreciation for the location are felt throughout the main floor. The emphasis on larger-than-life views is continued into the main sweet with a door for a quick escape to the wrap-around two-story deck.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern enclosed living room in Other with white walls, concrete floors, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, no tv and grey floor.